Lure Of The Loire

From picture-perfect landscapes and spectacular châteaux to superb food and wine, this tranquil corner of France has everything you could possibly want.

- Peter Stewart

Anyone looking for quintessential France need look no further than the Loire Valley. This 270-mile area of broad, fertile land, located in the central stretch of the River Loire, is one in which dreamy, old-world villages stand shoulder to shoulder with verdant pastures, riverside vineyards and constellations of storybook châteaux to create a landscape that is today one great big UNESCO World Heritage site. And with easy access to other parts of France and the UK, your only question should be “how soon can I buy a property?”.

Spread mainly through the départements of Maine-et-Loire, Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher, this enchanting corner of l’Hexagone has plenty to make you want to holiday here or even up sticks and move across the Channel.

One of the most beguiling places in the east of this area is the city of Angers. Straddling the River Maine, this bustling city was the historic capital of Anjou and the cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty. A wander down the quaint cobbled streets lined with half-timbered homes will bring you to Château d’Angers. The imposing, Blackstone château is home to the city’s claim to fame, the Tenture de l’Apocalypse. Considered a masterpiece of French cultural heritage, this 104m-long series of tapestries is the biggest medieval tapestry ensemble in the world and was commissioned in the late 1300s by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, to depict the story of the Day of Judgment from beginning to end.

While the city boasts a rich history, its thriving café culture and easy-going nature make it a highly desirable place to live. The Place du Ralliement is the beating heart of the city, and the streets that branch off it are packed with cafés and restaurants buzzing with life and ready to acquaint you with the art of fine dining.